Waterproofing an EZ Up

[Shiro]

With my tear, I received a knockoff EZ Up. In a heavy rain, fine mist filters through it. Any suggestions for increase its water resistance? I am hoping there is something I can spray or paint on the fabric to make it more of a rain shelter.

Thanks.

[cguardsman]

there is a product to refresh nylon tents that you spray on....walmart carries it but i can't remember what the name is

[ScottH61]

3M makes one that waterproofs, and it also has a mildew inhibitor. They do carry it at Wal-Mart, about $7 a (spray) can. Took two cans to do my smallish tent. They also carry another brand that just waterproofs, but I like the mildew inhibitor. Look for them in the Sporting Goods section near the tents.

[IraRat]

I don't think the stuff lasts that long, right? Like, you're supposed to do it at the start of every "season," but what does that mean?

I also remember that with tents, there's something they sell to specifically seal the seams, and not necessarily the material as a whole.

Another example of how Coleman GETs you!!!

[Chris C]

I used to "do" crafts festivals almost weekly 5 months out of the year and found nothing to replace the water repelancy of an EZUp tent.........other than replacement. We used to sell our tent about every other season and just buy a new one.

[cguardsman]

3M makes one that waterproofs, and it also has a mildew inhibitor. They do carry it at Wal-Mart, about $7 a (spray) can. Took two cans to do my smallish tent. They also carry another brand that just waterproofs, but I like the mildew inhibitor. Look for them in the Sporting Goods section near the tents.

thanks for the assist in the product info.....you must spend too much time at Walmart too!

[Arne]

There are several brands of sealer, try any sports dept or sporting goods store... the other stuff is 'seam sealer' meant to see sewed seams..

[ScottH61]

Kenco makes a great seam sealer... they make a water based kind (Seam Sealer 3) for just sealing seams, and a urethane kind (SeamGrip) that's good for seam sealing and for minor repairs. I've had good luck with the water based (as odd as that may sound). It goes on fast and dries fairly quick. The Seam Sealer 3 can be found at Wal-Mart too... look for the tent stakes -- it'll be close by. You'd probably have to go to a real outdoor sporting goods store (REI, Dick's, etc.) to find Seam Grip.

As far as waterproof durability, I generally give mine a good coat or two of the waterproofer and re-do the seam sealer at the start of every spring. It's always lasted at least until the next spring. I haven't had any water in the tent that I didn't bring in with me (knock on wood!)

And yes, I spend WAAAY too much time at Wal-Mart... and too much money too, but who can resist?

[Shiro]

Thanks for all the replies. I will try some spray on stuff. If it's really raining hard, I have a hat on and the fine mist doesn't bother me. A baldheaded friend complained that his pate was getting wet.

[Jiminsav]

well, I think if you throw a tarp over the e-z up and then throw a rug on top of the tarp to hold it down, your stop the mist..

[ceebe]

Gee, i'd pay extra to get one with a mist system out here in the desert